Creating Change. Empowering Communities. One Action at a Time.

Action For A Cause (AFAC) is a grassroots nonprofit rooted in compassion, resilience, and action. Born out of a viral moment of kindness that captured national attention in 2019, our organization has evolved into a powerful vehicle for social impact. We serve vulnerable populations across Chicago, with a special focus on youth, housing insecurity, and community well-being.

Our Why & Mission…

We believe every act of service—big or small—has the power to transform lives. Founded by community advocate Candice Payne, our Chicago-based nonprofit is dedicated to addressing the urgent needs of underserved populations through direct support, wraparound services, outreach, and community engagement…

Programs & Services…

Housing Assistance, Stabilization & Emergency Support

We believe that compassion must be paired with immediate, tangible solutions. Our crisis response efforts were born from a pivotal moment—securing emergency hotel rooms for over 200 individuals experiencing homelessness during a brutal winter storm. That defining act of service laid the foundation for our ongoing commitment to rapid response and critical care. Today, we continue to meet people where they are with swift, meaningful support. Whether it’s providing emergency shelter, distributing essential supplies, or connecting individuals to mental health and social services, our team works tirelessly to restore stability and dignity in moments of crisis.

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Youth Empowerment, Violence Intervention & Workforce Training

Our structured development programs are designed specifically for at-risk and under-resourced youth, providing them with the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. Through our IDHS-funded initiatives, we offer comprehensive training in job readiness, leadership development, and essential life skills. More importantly, our participants are mentored and supported by caring industry leaders who believe in their potential and are committed to their growth. To date, over 115 youth have successfully graduated from our programs, with many going on to secure employment, enroll in college or trade school, and take on leadership roles within their communities.

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“At Action For A Cause, we don’t wait for change—we create it. Every person we serve is a reminder that our work is bigger than us. It’s about showing up, taking action, and building a future where everyone has a fair shot at stability and success.”

— Daniel Payne, President of Action For A Cause

 Feeding the Homeless

 

On August 7, 2025, Action For A Cause, Work Ready Chicago, Smoothie Rx, Around The World Coffee, KNA Empowerment, and Prime For Change united to empower youth in our One Summer Chicago, Chicagobility program with a lesson in service and community impact. Through our program, Hearts & Hands, we engaged 14- to 15-year-olds in giving back by serving meals to Chicago’s homeless. The youth’s efforts not only made a meaningful difference, but also earned recognition on local and national media, highlighting the lifelong skills and values they gained through the experience.

 
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 Domestic Violence Support

We are also committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. We partner with law enforcement, lawyers, courts, probation, and community-based victim service providers to create seamless, survivor-centered responses that improve safety and access to justice. By uniting criminal justice and community partners, we build safer communities, hold offenders accountable, and ensure every survivor has the…

support they need to succeed!

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Youth & Workforce Development

This summer, we didn’t just coach — we cooked up something special! Through our role in the City of Chicago’s One Summer Chicago Chicagobility program, we helped nearly 20 teens earn their ServSafe Certifications, unlocking the chance to intern at our founder’s very own spot — Around The World Coffee & Smoothie Rx in downtown River North. For the final two weeks, youth took over the café, learning how to run their own restaurant, why compliance matters, and how to stack up profits — all while leveling up with some pretty cool barista skills.

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Meet Our Founder

Candice Payne, Founder, Vice-President, Champion For The People…

Candice Payne is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and visionary changemaker whose impact spans business, community service, and youth empowerment. She gained national recognition in 2019 when her viral act of compassion—securing over 200 hotel rooms for Chicago’s homeless during a polar vortex—earned features on Ellen, BET, and numerous media outlets. As the founder of Work Ready Chicago and Action For A Cause, Candice has supported over 115 youth through state-funded development programs, providing them with essential life and career skills.

Her entrepreneurial portfolio includes Around The World Coffee, Smoothie Rx, and 5th Group Corp, a real estate brokerage firm—ventures that have collectively employed over 100 people. For over 15 years, she has organized annual back-to-school events offering free haircuts, school supplies, and meals to underserved families. Through business mentoring, workforce training, and community upliftment, Candice continues to build bridges to opportunity, inspiring others to lead with purpose and heart.

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Partner Brands

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Community Service Media

 

Be a Part of the Cause!

Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or partner, there’s a role for everyone in this movement. Together, we can uplift Chicago—one action at a time.